Abstract:

A motor vehicle body is proposed with a roof-carrying frame, upon which an
adapter carrier is placed and secured for holding roof windows, sliding
roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants, and an adapter
carrier suitable for installation in a motor vehicle body according to
the invention. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also proposed
for a motor vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame.

Claims:

1. A motor vehicle body comprising:at least two pairs of columns, which
are interconnected to form a roof-carrying frame by two longitudinal
structural components extending in the longitudinal direction of the
motor vehicle and by two transverse structural components extending in
the transverse direction of the motor vehicle;an adapter carrier placed
on the roof-carrying frame and secured thereto to accommodate roof
windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants
in the adapter carrier, wherein the adapter carrier is welded to at least
one of the transverse structural components to form a hollow chamber that
is defined by the adapter carrier and the at least one of the transverse
structural components.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/065,199, filed on Feb. 28, 2008, which is a U.S. National-Stage
entry under 35 U.S.C. §371 based on International Application No.
PCT/EP2006/008326, filed Aug. 25, 2006, which was published under PCT
Article 21(2) and which claims priority to German Application No. DE 10
2005 044 283.8, filed Sep. 16, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present invention relates to a motor vehicle body and more
particularly to a motor vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame. The
invention further relates to a method of manufacturing the motor vehicle
body with a roof-carrying frame.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Known from practice are motor vehicles equipped with a sliding roof,
a sunroof, a lifting roof, a sun/sliding roof or some other roof opening
system and/or a roof module variant (in short: roof module). These
vehicles differ from conventional standard vehicles in the simple,
closed, metal standard roof skin present there. These vehicles with
opening roofs share in common that they are manufactured by opening the
conventional, closed roof skin and inserting the respectively desired
roof module from an already preassembled vehicle, e.g., as discussed in
DE 88 16 505 U1. The motor vehicle sliding roof discussed therein
exhibits two frames, specifically a welded-in frame and a screwed-in
frame. The sliding roof is here secured in the second frame, the
screwed-in frame, which is in turn screwed in the central area of the
welded-in frame. The first frame, meaning the welded-in frame, which
hence incorporates the screwed-in frame including roof module, is welded
with the remaining roof skin in a roof opening specially generated for
this purpose in the already present roof skin.

[0004]However, this mode of installing and attaching the respective roof
module to the motor vehicle known in practice has disadvantages when
contrasted with contemporary manufacturing aspects of today.

[0005]One of the disadvantages lies in the fact that a roof module
incorporated after the fact, so to say, as is commonly the case in prior
art, diminishes the headroom for the driver and his passengers by
comparison to the same vehicle type with conventional, closed vehicle
roof owing to the roof module opening- and attachment devices
simultaneously required with the module, and associated space
requirements.

[0006]Another disadvantage is that special and in part expensive and
space-consuming structural measures must be taken to seal the roof module
relative to the vehicle skin to prevent water, such as rainwater or
splashed water, from penetrating inside the vehicle, which is undesired
and must absolutely be avoided. However, these measures and their special
space requirement can be attributed to a large extent to the fact that
incorporating the roof opening system/variant at a later point, meaning
after conclusion of final vehicle assembly, constitutes a structural
measure taken after the fact, which is performed on the already finished
motor vehicle, so that the roof opening system to be installed must be
tailored to the specifically encountered structural boundary conditions,
with the corresponding outlay.

[0007]Another disadvantage to the above-described procedure of
subsequently incorporating a roof module in an initially closed,
conventional motor vehicle roof lies in the fact that the conventional
motor vehicle roof skin that was just opened to insert a roof module
generally does not in and of itself exhibit the stability necessary to
safely carry the additional weight of the incorporated roof module,
complete with all opening, sealing and attachment devices required here.

[0008]Rather, the conventional sheet roof loses the required stiffness
that had previously been intact, in particular against deformation, as
the result of the conversion and installation measures. To remedy this
disadvantage, an additional brace for the roof module is often
incorporated, again after the fact, which serves to directly or
indirectly support the roof module, e.g., on a vehicle column pair.
However, this additional bracing is also cost and labor intensive.

[0009]It generally holds true with respect to subsequently installed,
attached or modified motor vehicle components, and hence also to the roof
module incorporated after the fact in the manner discussed above that the
subsequent installation is associated with comparatively high adjustment,
alteration, manufacturing, labor and time costs, which in the end is
viewed as disadvantageous.

[0010]As a consequence, the object of the present invention is to avoid
the disadvantages of prior art discussed above and propose a motor
vehicle body that is characterized by a higher level of design freedom
with respect to the roof configuration, and in particular can already be
equipped with roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or
roof module variants (in short: roof module) cost effectively and without
any major additional effort. Another aspect of the invention is to
propose an adapter carrier suitable for this purpose. Further, a
corresponding manufacturing process is to be specified. In addition,
other objects, aspects, desirable features and characteristics will
become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and appended
claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, foregoing
background, and subsequent summary.

SUMMARY

[0011]This object, and other objects, desirable features, and aspects, is
achieved by the motor vehicle body, as well as by an adapter carrier for
a motor vehicle body. The object, and other objects, desirable features,
and aspects, according to the invention is further achieved by the method
of manufacturing a motor vehicle body with an adapter carrier comprising
the step of joining a motor vehicle body exhibiting at least two A, B and
C columns secured to a roof-carrying frame by means of two structural
components extending in the longitudinal direction and two structural
components extending in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle
with an adapter carrier.

[0012]Consequently, a motor vehicle body with at least two pairs of
columns (e.g., two A, B and C columns each) are provided, which are
interconnected to form a roof-carrying frame by two structural components
extending in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle as well as
two structural components extending in the transverse direction of the
motor vehicle, wherein an adapter carrier is placed on the roof-carrying
frame and secured thereto. The adapter carrier is used to accommodate
roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module
variants (in short: roof module).

[0013]The motor vehicle body according to an embodiment of the invention
is advantageously characterized by the availability of an adapter carrier
for roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module
variants of sufficient stability for accommodating at least one of the
aforementioned modules. As a result, there already exists a device for
accommodating a roof module on the motor vehicle body that is factory
developed, planned, structurally configured for the special application
and provided for this purpose, correspondingly laid out and structurally
designed. Depending on the respective vehicle type, the latter can
already be subjected to detailed calculations and optimized in advance to
reflect the respectively expected structural and mechanical boundary
conditions.

[0014]This advantageously means that the structural design and
configuration of the adapter carrier of the motor vehicle body allows it
to accommodate even a heavy roof module, for example a glass pane roof,
with sufficient stability, and support it against the motor vehicle body
by way or means of the roof-carrying frame to which the adapter carrier
is secured. This type of support for the roof module accommodated in the
adapter carrier as already taken into account and prepared at the factory
during the planning phase permits a support that takes up significantly
less overall height by comparison with the method known from prior art,
which advantageously yields greater headroom for the driver and his
passengers.

[0015]Another advantage to the already factory-configured motor vehicle
body with an adapter carrier is that the devices for sealing the vehicle
interior to prevent wetness, dirt or the like from penetrating at the
edge of the roof module can be made more target oriented, problem
oriented, and cost effectively, at lower production costs and a reduced
time outlay than is the case in the conventional procedure.

[0016]In addition, the roof modules used in the adapter carrier of the
motor vehicle body are exposed to less stringent mechanical requirements.
This stems from the fact that a roof module incorporated in the adapter
carrier is subject to less oscillations and deformational or torsional
forces while driving the motor vehicle, since its stable attachment to
the adapter carrier, which is in turn stably secured to the roof-carrying
motor vehicle frame, is exposed to less severe oscillations and
deformations than the conventionally attached roof module.

[0017]This in turn advantageously results in the roof modules accommodated
in the adapter carrier can be integrated into the motor vehicle body in
such a way as to further save on overhead clearance, wherein the
attachment at the edges can simultaneously be made significantly more
narrow and/or space-saving in design, which in the end results in the
advantage of taking up considerably less space that might be used for
other purposes, and increasing the interior volume of the passenger
compartment with respect to the heads of the driver and/or passengers.

[0018]The adapter carrier becomes especially easy to mount to the motor
vehicle body if the adapter carrier is secured to a bearing flange of the
structural components.

[0019]The motor vehicle body exhibits a particularly high level of
stability if the structural components and adapter carrier together
border a hollow chamber.

[0020]The motor vehicle body exhibits a particularly high level of
stability if the adapter carrier connects several identical columns to
each other.

[0021]At least one object of the invention is also achieved by means of an
adapter carrier suitable for installation in a motor vehicle body as
described above. This adapter carrier is a supporting structure which,
when used in the manner described above in a motor vehicle body, makes it
possible to synergistically achieve all of the aforementioned advantages
in full measure.

[0022]In a preferred embodiment, the adapter carrier is essentially
designed as a frame structure.

[0023]Designing the adapter carrier as a frame structure is advantageous
in that the frame structure of the adapter carrier gives it an elevated
stability and improved stiffness by comparison to an assembled adapter
carrier, thereby improving the attachment of the roof module in the roof
carrier and/or the vehicle on the one hand, and the safety of the motor
vehicle itself in its roof area on the other. In addition, an adapter
carrier designed as a frame structure can be used to additionally
increase the stiffness of the passenger cabin, and hence improve safety
for the passengers.

[0024]In another preferred embodiment, the adapter carrier can
advantageously be designed as a single section, enabling its manufacture
in a comparatively simple, and hence cost effective manner. Further, this
embodiment further reduces the number of required components to the
minimum required number, thereby reducing the necessary storage,
manufacturing and cost outlay. Another advantage to this preferred
embodiment is that the omission of potential connections and the
attachment means between individual frame sections required for this
purpose enables an especially simple, tailor-made, precisely dimensioned
and cost-effective production.

[0025]The tolerance of the adapter carrier relative to the structural
components of the motor vehicle body can be easily balanced in an
advantageous further development of the invention if exhibits several
edge plates, and if the edge plates exhibit flanges for attachment to the
bearing flange. This additionally minimizes scrap during the production
of the adapter carrier, since fitting together the edge plates generates
an opening in the adapter carrier. In addition, the advantage to fitting
together the adapter carrier using individual edge plates is that the
adapter carrier is especially easy to handle during assembly. In
comparison to the one-piece adapter carrier, the edge plates also exhibit
a high stability against surface distortion, and are easy to transport.
Therefore, the adapter carrier exhibiting the edge plates is especially
inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to transport and assemble.

[0026]In another advantageous further embodiment, it helps to further
simplify the adapter carrier if the edge plates exhibit a straight, long
stretched-out shape, and are each joined with one of the structural
components.

[0027]Elbows and the like for generating the adapter carrier can be
avoided in another advantageous further development of the invention by
arranging the edge plates in a frame relative to each other. For example,
this makes it possible to put together the adapter carrier provided for
accommodating the roof window out of four straight edge plates.

[0028]In another preferred embodiment, the adapter carrier is secured to
the motor vehicle by means of welding, bonding or pressure joining

[0029]This embodiment is characterized by the method of joining the roof
module to be used in the adapter carrier, which is especially simple and
associated with little production outlay. In other words, there is no
special outlay during vehicle assembly for automating the process of
incorporating the adapter carrier in the roof-carrying frame of the motor
vehicle, followed by an also automated process of welding or bonding the
adapter carrier with the roof-carrying frame. Another advantage to
joining the adapter carrier with the motor vehicle has to do with the
fact that the adapter carrier can be comparatively easily removed at a
later point, for example after damage to the vehicle roof or the like.

[0030]Welding can further be performed by means of an automatic welding
machine on a production line. This advantageously makes it possible to
integrate the necessary steps in the ongoing production process, while
realizing a corresponding savings potential.

[0031]In addition, welding the adapter carrier to the motor vehicle is
associated with all advantages known to the expert from using welding as
a joining process, for example temperature expansion of the weld seams
relative to the thermal behavior of the welded components and water
tightness. However, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to
the welded joint discussed above. The adapter carrier can also be bonded
to the body, and any other process preferred by the expert is also
possible.

[0032]Another preferred embodiment of the adapter carrier is characterized
in that it exhibits attachment devices for roof windows, sliding roofs,
lifting roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof module variants (in
short: roof module), which are designed in such a way that the respective
roof module incorporated in the adapter carrier can be switched for
another roof module.

[0033]One advantage to this embodiment is that the purchaser of a motor
vehicle need not determine what kind of roof design he would like to have
for his motor vehicle for the next several years while he is buying his
motor vehicle. Hence, this embodiment advantageously makes it possible to
change out a selected roof module for another one without any special
outlay. The resultant, previously unknown flexibility makes it possible
to foster loyalty among existing customers and attract new customers more
easily.

[0034]To this end, for example, screwed connections, lever mechanisms or
adhesive bonds can be used between the adapter carrier and roof module,
which enable replacement without any special assembly or handling outlay.

[0035]Therefore, the owner of a motor vehicle equipped with an adapter
carrier can replace a simple sunroof with a larger, wide-opening roof
opening system, for example, after moving to a sunnier and/or warmer
location. Further, suitable, readily detachable attachment means for the
roof module in the adapter carrier can be used to seasonally change out
roof modules. In this conjunction, for example, it is conceivable to use
the open roof module in the summer, and the larger light roof or sunroof
provided with a defroster in the winter.

[0036]The ability to change out the roof module in the adapter carrier in
the present embodiment is also advantageous in cases where a damaged roof
module is to be more quickly replaced with a new module at a lower cost
instead of instituting more expensive repairs.

[0037]In another preferred embodiment, the central, open top area of the
adapter carrier can be sealed by incorporating and properly securing a
sheet metal roof

[0038]As already discussed while addressing the interchangeability of
individual roof modules, this embodiment also offers the advantage, for
example, when purchasing a motor vehicle, to make do with a less
expensive, conventional sheet metal roof incorporated in the adapter
carrier provided on the motor vehicle, and later on upgrade the motor
vehicle by replacing the simple sheet metal roof secured in the adapter
carrier with a more expensive roof module.

[0039]Another advantage to being able to seal the adapter carrier in this
embodiment by means of a sheet metal roof is that no decision needs to
made during the manufacture of a vehicle type as to whether a motor
vehicle body should be prepared for connection to an adapter carrier or
just a simple sheet metal roof during the production process. The ability
to optionally seal a motor vehicle body already equipped with an adapter
carrier by means of a sheet metal roof in its roof area without any
additional outlay or equip it with a roof module advantageously makes it
possible to reduce the plurality of parts during the manufacture of the
motor vehicle and its individual vehicle types (regardless of whether
provided for a roof module or not), as well as to use a lower number of
tools.

[0040]At least one object is further achieved by a method for
manufacturing a motor vehicle body, which encompasses the step of joining
a motor vehicle body with an adapter carrier according to the invention.

[0041]The adapter carrier can help stiffen the motor vehicle body in that
an edge plate connects two parallel columns, when one of the edge plates
to be arranged transverse to the longitudinal direction of the motor
vehicle is initially connected with the respective structural component,
after which the edge plates facing in the longitudinal direction of the
motor vehicle are secured to the structural components facing in the
longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, and with an overlap on the
edge sheet arranged transverse to the longitudinal direction of the motor
vehicle. As a result, the edge plate situated transverse to the
longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle is in direct contact with the
motor vehicle body.

[0042]To further increase the stability of the motor vehicle body, it
helps to overlap a second edge plate to be arranged transverse to the
longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and in the connection between
opposing columns with the structural components facing in the
longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043]The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like
elements, and

[0044]FIG. 1 a simplified schematic view of a conventional sheet metal
roof with a roof opening for accommodating a conventional roof module,
perspective top view;

[0045]FIG. 2 an adapter carrier according to the invention in a
schematically simplified, perspective top view;

[0046]FIG. 3 a schematically simplified, perspective top view of the
adapter carrier according to the invention as it is being attached to a
motor vehicle body;

[0047]FIG. 4a a section through the adapter carrier according to the
invention after installed along the I-I line shown on FIG. 2, in
schematically simplified form;

[0048]FIG. 4b a section through the conventional motor vehicle roof along
the intersecting line Ib-Ib shown on FIG. 1, again in schematically
simplified form;

[0049]FIG. 5a a section through the adapter carrier according to the
invention after installed along the line II-II shown on FIG. 2, again in
schematically simplified form;

[0050]FIG. 5b a section through the conventional motor vehicle roof along
the IIb-IIb line shown on FIG. 1, again in schematically simplified form;

[0051]FIG. 6a a section through the adapter carrier according to the
invention after installed along the III-III line shown on FIG. 2, in
schematically simplified form; and

[0052]FIG. 6b a section through the conventional motor vehicle roof along
the IIIb-IIIb line shown on FIG. 1, in schematically simplified form;

[0053]FIG. 7 another embodiment of the motor vehicle body with an adapter
carrier composed of edge plates;

[0054]FIG. 8 a sectional view through the motor vehicle body along the
VIII-VIII line from FIG. 7;

[0055]FIG. 9 a sectional view through the motor vehicle body along the
IX-IX line from FIG. 7;

[0056]FIG. 10 a sectional view through the motor vehicle body along the
X-X line from FIG. 7; and

[0057]FIG. 11 a highly magnified view of an overlapping area of two edge
plates of the adapter carrier from FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058]The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the
invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background or the following detailed
description.

[0059]A conventional motor vehicle roof 1 shown on FIG. 1 exhibits a roof
skin 3 and an opening 5 for a roof module. The longitudinal direction of
the motor vehicle for the accompanying motor vehicle (the latter not
shown in any greater detail) is labeled X. Three sections Ib-Ib, IIb-IIb
and IIIb-IIIb on FIG. 1 are denoted by intersecting lines, wherein the
arrows shown on the lines indicate the viewing direction on the
respective sectional plane. The marked sections will be extensively
discussed below in the following figures.

[0060]The motor vehicle roof 1 shown on FIG. 1 is in a state where the
roof skin 3 already has a corresponding opening 5 for a roof module, but
no roof module has yet been attached in the latter. As readily visible
from FIG. 1, the roof skin 3 is a thin, conventional motor vehicle roof
sheet, which in the exemplary embodiment depicted here is not reinforced
in its central region by any additional supporting or roof structural
elements.

[0061]The reference numbers on FIG. 2 already used on FIG. 1 denote the
identical and/or identically acting components also marked with the same
reference numbers on FIG. 1. In addition to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, this also
applies to the other figures; once specified, a reference number denotes
the same respective component in all figures of this drawing.

[0062]FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an adapter carrier 7
according to the invention with an opening 9 for a roof module in the
central region of the adapter carrier 7. The adapter carrier 7 in the
present embodiment is designed as a single frame element, which can be
fit precisely onto a roof carrying frame structure (not shown in any
greater detail here) of the corresponding motor vehicle (also not shown
in any greater detail) so as to be welded with the latter.

[0063]Comparable to the procedure known from FIG. 1 above, FIG. 2 has
three sections I-I, II-II and III-III with the viewing direction on the
sectional plane respectively denoted by arrows; the sections will be
explained in detail below in the following figures.

[0064]FIG. 3 schematically depicts the upper body section of a motor
vehicle 11 at the moment an adapter carrier 7 is assembled and/or joined
to a roof-carrying frame 13 readily visible on FIG. 3. The arrow M
denotes that the adapter carrier 7 is placed on the roof-carrying frame
13 from the top down. After precisely fitting the adapter carrier 7, it
can be welded with the roof-carrying frame 13, for example.

[0065]FIG. 4a provides a schematically simplified view of the sectional
plane of the section denoted along line I-I on FIG. 2 according to the
arrows shown on FIG. 2. To better understand the depiction on FIG. 4a, it
is recommended that FIG. 4b be consulted while examining FIG. 4a. FIG. 4a
shows a section through the adapter carrier 7 according to the invention
in the front area of the motor vehicle roof, a front protection disk 15,
a cladding element 17, a roof structural element 19 as well as a glass
roof or pane 21 inserted in the adapter carrier 7, along with bonding
compounds 23, with which the glass roof 21 is bonded with the adapter
carrier 7 or the adapter carrier 7 and/or the roof structural element 19
is bonded with the front protection disk 15.

[0066]By contrast, FIG. 4b depicts the conventional design of a motor
vehicle with the roof skin 3 and without adapter carrier. As readily
visible from a comparison between FIGS. 4a and 4b, the adapter carrier 7
on FIG. 4a is a one-piece adapter carrier 7 in this embodiment, based on
the section shown on FIG. 4a.

[0067]FIG. 5a shows the schematically simplified sectional plane II-II
from FIG. 2, while FIG. 5b shows the simplified sectional plane along the
section IIb-IIb from FIG. 1. As was the case previously on FIGS. 4a and
4b, comparing FIG. 5a with FIG. 5b makes it easier to determine the
design of the adapter carrier 7.

[0068]FIGS. 5a and 5b provide a view of a roof railing 25, a lateral
vehicle skin 27 and a side window 29 in first section, which are not
already known form the figures discussed above. FIG. 5b shows very
clearly that an also depicted roof opening module 31 is supported against
the roof skin 3; also visible is the significant installation depth
required for the roof opening module 31, and the associated limitation on
headroom for the driver and passengers.

[0069]By contrast, FIG. 5a shows a roof window 33, which is stable and not
supported against the roof skin 3 (not shown on FIG. 5a and also not cut
in the present section of the depicted embodiment), but rather against
the more stable adapter carrier 7, which in turn is abutted against a
lateral roof structural element 35 of the motor vehicle. The roof window
33 is in turn secured to the adapter carrier 7 by means of an adhesive
compound 23 on FIG. 5a, in addition to which an alternative option for
attaching the roof window 33 to the adapter carrier 7 via a screwed
connection 37 is depicted in the embodiment shown.

[0070]FIG. 6a provides a schematically simplified view of sectional plane
III-III from FIG. 2, while FIG. 6b provides a simplified view of the
sectional plane along section IIIb-IIIb from FIG. 1. As was already the
case for FIGS. 4a and 4b as well as FIGS. 5a and 5b, comparing FIG. 6a
with FIG. 6b makes is possible to more easily recognize the design of the
adapter carrier 7. FIGS. 6a and 6b in turn each depict a rear roof
structural element 39 along with two cladding elements 41, 43. Further,
both the conventional design on FIG. 6b and the embodiment according to
the invention on FIG. 6a show a motor vehicle connection area 45 with the
same structural design in both FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0071]As can be readily seen especially on FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a and
6b, and especially in a summary examination of respective FIGS. 4a, 4b or
5a, 5b and 6a, 6b, an adapter carrier can be installed in an adapter
carrier according to the invention in a conventional body with nearly no
outlay required for this purpose. The embodiment depicted on the figures
requires no special adjustment of the motor vehicle body for
accommodating the adapter carrier. Only the roof skin supports shown in
sections Ib-Ib and IIIb-IIIb should be shortened or cut accordingly, so
that an adapter carrier according to the invention can be incorporated
into the body as optimally as possible. However, this cutting or
shortening process can be automated without any significant outlay. In
addition, a simple structural redesign of the body makes it possible to
omit even this step entirely. Therefore, the adapter carrier according to
the invention can be mounting on top of a conventional motor vehicle body
and secured thereto without any significant work-related or structural
outlay, or even any costs of note.

[0072]Even the known and already proven installation sequences for
brackets, handles, roof railing, head curtain incorporation, fenders
front and back and the like can remain identical in comparison between
conventional sheet roof and the use of an adapter carrier according to
the invention.

[0073]As a result, the present invention is the first to propose a motor
vehicle body with a roof-carrying frame, upon which an adapter carrier
for holding roof windows, sliding roofs, roof opening systems and/or roof
module variants is mounted and secured, and an adapter carrier suitable
for installation in a motor vehicle body according to the invention.
Further, the invention specifies a corresponding manufacturing method.

[0074]FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the motor vehicle body with an
adapter carrier 47 secured to the roof-carrying frame 13. As opposed to
the adapter carrier 7 on the preceding figures, the adapter carrier 47
depicted on FIG. 7 and the following figures is composed of four
individual edge plates 49, 51, 53 and 55.

[0075]FIG. 8 shows a sectional view along the VIII-VIII line of the
adapter carrier 47 from FIG. 7, with bordering areas of the motor vehicle
body. This sectional view corresponds to the section from FIG. 4a of the
first embodiment. As can be seen, the edge plate 49 of the adapter
carrier 47 is secured directly to a bearing flange 57 of the structural
element 19 by means of a flange 63, and forms a hollow chamber 59 with
the structural element 19.

[0076]FIG. 9 shows a sectional view along the IV-IV line through the
adapter carrier 47 from FIG. 7 of the attachment of an edge plate 51
facing in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle to the
corresponding structural element 35. As in the embodiment shown on FIG.
5a, the roof window 33 lies on an adhesive compound 61 arranged on the
adapter carrier 47.

[0077]FIG. 10 shows a sectional view along the X-X line through the
adapter carrier 47 from FIG. 7 of the attachment of one of the edge
plates 53 to the corresponding roof structural element 39. This sectional
view corresponds to the one on FIG. 6a depicting the first embodiment.
The roof window 33 here also lies on the adhesive compound 761.

[0078]FIG. 11 shows a highly magnified view of the attachment of two
abutting edge plates 47, 51 of the adapter carrier 47 from FIG. 7. As can
be seen, the edge plate 51 facing in the traveling direction overlaps the
edge plate 49 facing transverse to the longitudinal direction of the
motor vehicle.

[0079]While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the
foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast
number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the
exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are
not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the
invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will
provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for
implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being
understood that various changes may be made in the function and
arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without
departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended
claims and their legal equivalents.